Freshman F. from Georgia NBA draft declaration by Asa Newell

In a decision that sends ripples through both the college basketball and NBA scouting communities, Georgia freshman forward Asa Newell has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-10 former McDonald’s All-American announced his intentions on Friday afternoon via a social media post, thanking the University of Georgia, head coach Mike White, and Bulldog Nation for their support throughout his breakout freshman campaign.

The move wasn’t entirely unexpected. Newell, once ranked as a consensus top-15 recruit in the 2024 class, arrived in Athens with NBA potential written all over him. Now, after a freshman year that showcased flashes of stardom, defensive versatility, and modern-day big man skills, he’s betting on himself to be a first-round pick.

“Thank You, Georgia”

In his statement, Newell showed maturity beyond his years. “First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity,” he wrote. “Thank you to Coach White, the entire coaching staff, my teammates, and everyone at UGA who supported me this year. I’ve grown so much — on the court and as a man — during my time here. After careful consideration with my family, I have decided to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft and hire an agent.”

The decision ends Newell’s short but impactful stint in college basketball. While his numbers may not jump off the page — 10.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game — his potential was unmistakable to scouts, especially when paired with his work ethic and ceiling as a two-way big.

The “Modern Big”

What makes Newell such a tantalizing NBA prospect is his versatility. Though listed as a power forward, Newell played multiple frontcourt roles during his time at Georgia. He defended the perimeter on switches, rim-protected like a true center, and spaced the floor with his developing midrange and three-point shot. Scouts have raved about his “unicorn” upside — the rare blend of size, mobility, and offensive skill that franchises now covet.

In a league that prioritizes stretch fours and fluid big men who can defend in space, Newell fits the mold. His lateral movement allows him to hang with guards on the perimeter, and his 7-foot-1 wingspan enables him to alter shots without fouling. Add to that a budding face-up game and a soft touch around the rim, and it’s no surprise NBA teams have taken notice.

Impact at Georgia

While the Bulldogs finished the season 18-14, missing the NCAA Tournament but earning an NIT bid, Newell was a bright spot for a program still trying to find its footing under White’s leadership. His presence elevated Georgia’s frontcourt play, especially in big SEC matchups.

One of his standout games came in late January against then-No. 14 Auburn, where Newell poured in 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, grabbed nine rebounds, and blocked three shots. He was a force on both ends of the floor, outplaying veteran bigs and drawing praise from Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl.

“He’s a pro,” Pearl said postgame. “You can see it in how he moves, how he thinks the game. Georgia’s got a special one there.”

That sentiment echoed throughout the season. Whether it was ESPN, The Athletic, or NBA Draft analysts on YouTube, Newell consistently found himself in first-round conversations. Some even flirted with lottery projections depending on his pre-draft process.

From Montverde to Athens

Before becoming the centerpiece of Georgia’s recruiting class, Newell honed his skills at Montverde Academy, the Florida prep powerhouse that has produced NBA talents like Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, and Moses Moody. Playing against top-tier competition night in and night out helped sharpen Newell’s competitive edge.

At Montverde, Newell was known for his rim-running, shot-blocking, and rapidly developing offensive skill set. His decision to attend Georgia — over offers from Alabama, Gonzaga, Texas, and Michigan — was seen as a major win for White and the Bulldogs, signaling their ability to land top-tier talent.

Now, Georgia can hang its hat on something even more impressive: producing a potential first-rounder just one year into Newell’s college career.

Scouting Report: NBA Potential

NBA scouts love to use the word “tools,” and Newell’s toolbox is stacked. Here’s a snapshot of how he grades out across key categories:

– **Defense**: Arguably his biggest strength. Newell’s ability to block shots, alter drives, and defend in space makes him a future defensive anchor. He’s disciplined — doesn’t bite on pump fakes — and uses his length exceptionally well.

– **Athleticism**: Explosive in short bursts. His second jump is elite, which allows him to rebound and contest shots multiple times in one possession.

– **Offense**: Still developing but promising. He has a reliable 15-foot jumper, can hit a corner three, and is dangerous in transition. His handle is improving, and he showed glimpses of a turnaround jumper that could become a go-to move.

– **Basketball IQ**: High. He reads offensive sets well and communicates effectively on defense. His timing on help-side rotations stands out.

– **Intangibles**: Hard worker. Coaches and teammates at Georgia praised his humility and willingness to learn. He stayed late after practice, watched film obsessively, and accepted coaching.

Projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick, Newell’s draft stock could climb with strong showings at the NBA Combine, pro days, and individual team workouts. Teams picking in the 12–25 range are particularly intrigued, especially those needing frontcourt depth with upside.

What Georgia Loses

Newell’s departure is a blow to Georgia’s momentum, especially considering their desire to build around young talent. Coach White has emphasized development and culture since arriving in Athens, and Newell fit that mold perfectly.

But the silver lining is that Newell’s success can be a selling point in future recruiting pitches. “Look what we did with Asa — we helped develop a first-round pick in one year” is a compelling message.

Georgia will look to fill the void with a combination of returning bigs, incoming freshmen, and potentially transfers. There’s hope that the Bulldogs’ growing national visibility — thanks in part to Newell’s breakout — can attract more top-tier talent.

Draft Comparisons

While comparisons are never perfect, Newell has drawn parallels to:

– **Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)**: Due to his shot-blocking, lateral quickness, and ability to stretch the floor.
– **Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)**: For his help-side defense, coordination, and length.
– **Jonathan Isaac (Orlando Magic)**: In terms of physical tools and defensive potential when healthy.

Whether he reaches the level of those players will depend on how he develops offensively and how his frame fills out. He’ll need to get stronger to deal with NBA-level post play, and polishing his offensive game will be a key focus during his pre-draft training.

Family and Support System

Newell’s support system has played a major role in his journey. His older brother, Jaden Newell, played college basketball, and his parents have long emphasized education and humility. During media sessions this season, Asa frequently credited his family for keeping him grounded.

“They remind me that the journey matters more than the destination,” Newell said back in December. “They want me to enjoy the process and work every day like I’m still trying to earn it.”

Now, that journey takes its next step — toward the biggest basketball stage in the world.

What’s Next?

Over the next several weeks, Newell will enter the pre-draft circuit. He is expected to receive an invite to the NBA Combine in Chicago, where he’ll undergo medical testing, measurements, and interviews with executives. If he performs well in scrimmages and athletic testing, he could solidify himself as a lottery candidate.

Multiple NBA teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, and Oklahoma City Thunder, are believed to have interest in Newell based on early scouting. His combination of youth, upside, and defensive versatility makes him an ideal fit for rebuilding or playoff-caliber teams alike.

He is also expected to train with NBA development specialists in Los Angeles ahead of the Combine, focusing on refining his jumper and adding strength to his 220-pound frame.

Asa Newell’s rise from Montverde standout to Georgia’s freshman star and now NBA hopeful is a story of talent meeting preparation. He may not have lit up every box score in college, but the whispers from NBA circles have grown louder with each performance. Now, he’ll have the chance to prove that his one year in college was just the beginning.

For Georgia fans, it’s bittersweet — a year too short, perhaps, but a memory to cherish. For NBA teams, it’s a fresh look at a prospect whose ceiling is as high as his potential.

And for Asa Newell, it’s the next step in what promises to be an exciting, and possibly star-studded, journey.